DPP drops charges against Kabambe, Mwanamvekha, and allies

Major corruption cases just got wiped off the docket, and several big-name officials are suddenly walking free with bail terms scrapped.

DPP drops charges against former RBM officials

• Dalitso Kabambe previously led the Reserve Bank of Malawi.
• Violet Palikena Chipao signed the 11 February 2026 discontinuation letter.
• Bail conditions for Kabambe and the co-accused were removed immediately.
• The State kept a six-month window to reopen the file.

Allegations tied to COVID-19 funds and the IMF loan

• Prosecutors had targeted Henry Mathanga and Joseph Mwanamvekha.
• Cliff Chiunda, Samuel Chilembwe Malitoni, and Elvis Thodi were also listed.
• Claims involved K6.2 billion in COVID-19 money handling.
• Accusations referenced information given to the International Monetary Fund about a US$350 million Afreximbank loan.

The separate ESCOM-related case also halted

• Jean Mathanga serves as Minister of Energy and Mining.
• John Kandulu previously acted as ESCOM Chief Executive.
• That matter revolved around K4.6 billion in 2016 procurement deals.
• Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee will receive the DPP’s explanation within ten days.